Kayaking Adventures and Hidden Mayan History on the Río Lacantún

Deep in the heart of Chiapas’ Lacandon Jungle lies an adventure that combines the thrill of river kayaking with the discovery of ancient Mayan history. As part of our 8-day Chiapas journey and 5-day Lacandon Rainforest tour , we embarked on an unforgettable 4-hour kayaking expedition down the Río Lacantún that led us to hidden Mayan rock carvings few visitors ever see.

The Kayaking Journey

I couldn’t stop smiling as we pushed off into the Río Lacantún. The water was perfect for kayaking, and everywhere I looked the jungle stretched out in front of us, completely untouched. This was exactly the kind of adventure I’d been hoping for in Chiapas.

The river carried us deeper into the jungle, and I kept trying to take it all in. Huge trees towered over the water, their branches reaching across the river like a natural ceiling. The whole place felt wild and untouched.

The jungle was full of life too. We spotted lots of Garza Blanca (Great White Herons) hanging out along the banks, and you could hear howler monkeys somewhere up in the trees. Every now and then we’d stop paddling just to listen to the macaws calling in the distance.

It reminded me of our paddleboarding trip at Horseshoe Bend a few months back - both rivers were incredible but in completely different ways. Where Arizona had those massive desert cliffs, here we had this amazing rainforest stretching as far as we could see.

Finding the Hidden Carvings

Things got really interesting when we turned off the main river into a smaller tributary. The waterway got narrower, and we had to pay more attention to our paddling. Tree branches hung low over the water, creating these cool natural tunnels we had to navigate through. The water was super clear here too - you could see straight to the bottom.

Eventually the tributary got too narrow and shallow for our kayaks. This is where the real adventure kicked in. We found a spot to beach the boats and grabbed our gear (making sure everything was waterproof - learned that lesson the hard way on previous trips).

The next part of the hike was no joke. We were scrambling over slippery rocks, swimming through parts of the stream, and climbing up some pretty steep muddy slopes. I was grabbing onto vines and small trees to pull myself up - it felt like something straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.

The Mayan Carvings

After all that climbing, we reached a massive rock face rising up from the jungle floor. And there they were - ancient faces carved right into the rock wall. It was incredible. The carvings looked like ancient Mayan artists had been practicing their craft, testing different styles and techniques right here on this cliff. They were way more detailed than I expected, especially considering how old they are. It’s wild to think about the Maya being here hundreds of years ago, using these same rivers and paths we just took.

Our guide told us that very few people make it out to see these carvings. According to him, he and some friends actually discovered them while exploring the area years ago. I’m not sure if that’s true, but either way, I can see why they’re not a common tourist stop - you definitely have to work for it. But standing there, dripping wet and slightly muddy, looking at this piece of history that’s hidden away in the jungle? Totally worth it.

Staying Safe

The jungle’s beautiful but you definitely need to be smart about it. Our guide was really clear about watching where we stepped (snakes are a thing here) and making sure we had good footing on those slippery rocks. We also went through a ton of water - the humidity is no joke.

What You Need to Bring

If you’re thinking about doing this trip, here’s what worked for us:

• Water shoes with good grip (you’ll be glad you have them)
• Quick-dry clothes (you’re going to get wet)
• A waterproof bag for your camera
• Plenty of water
• Some snacks for energy
• Bug spray (trust me on this one)

Was It Worth It?

Absolutely. This wasn’t just another tourist activity - it felt like a real adventure. Between the kayaking, the hiking, and finding those hidden carvings, it was a great way to explore the Lacandon Jungle.

Similar Adventures in the Region

If you enjoy this type of adventure, consider these other experiences in Chiapas:

1. Las Nubes : Another stunning river system with turquoise waters
2. Yaxchilán : Ancient Mayan ruins accessible only by boat journey through the jungle
3. Lacanjá River : Additional jungle river experiences
4. Palenque : Ancient Mayan site with jungle setting

Tips for Future Adventurers

1. Physical Preparation

   • Build upper body strength for kayaking
   • Practice hiking on uneven terrain
   • Work on balance and coordination

2. Timing Your Visit

   • Dry season (November-April) offers best conditions
   • Early morning starts avoid peak heat
   • Allow full day for the experience

3. Mental Preparation

   • Be ready for physical challenges
   • Stay calm in remote locations
   • Listen carefully to guide instructions
   • Embrace the adventure mindset

Final Thoughts

Our kayaking adventure to the Mayan rock carvings stands out as one of our most memorable experiences in Chiapas. It perfectly combines physical challenge, natural beauty, and historical discovery. While not an easy journey, the reward of seeing these ancient carvings in their jungle setting makes every challenging moment worthwhile.

The experience reminded us that some of the most remarkable discoveries require effort to reach, and that’s part of what makes them special. The combination of kayaking, hiking, swimming, and climbing created an adventure that engaged all our senses and left us with unforgettable memories of the Lacandon Jungle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the kayaking? The main river is moderate, but the tributary and hike require good physical fitness and some experience with outdoor activities.

Do I need prior kayaking experience? Basic kayaking experience is helpful but not required. Guides provide instruction and support.

What’s the best time of year for this adventure? Dry season (November-April) offers the most stable conditions and clearer waters.

Are the Mayan carvings well preserved? Yes, their remote location has helped protect them from weathering and human interference.

Is this suitable for children? This particular adventure is best suited for older teens and adults due to the physical challenges involved.